One of the best (or worst, depending on perspective) things about the current state of affairs in the US is how regulated a market we, as consumers and citizens, live and work in. For example, it’s illegal for companies to discriminate in hiring based on a variety of factors. And it’s illegal for banks or mortgage brokers – as we learned from our last economic downturn – to practice predatory lending techniques.

We live in a state of protections – some good, some no doubt overstepping. But without certain legislation – and even the antitrust division of the justice department – we would live in a very, very different world today (and not likely a better one).

As markets get bigger (such as banking), the regulators tend to come in – and even dominate the chatter and defining what constitutes reasonable business practices. But in procurement technology, especially in the nascent world of supplier networks, we have no such protections. Just like the Wild West of old, it’s up to each company to sling its own revolver to enforce justice. But most organizations aren’t aware of the potential risk they’re exposing themselves to, if they don’t get the business practices (and expectations) of this Max Max-like environment.

But don’t fret! In the upcoming webinar, Procurement Technology Bill of Rights: Security and Freedom in B2B Data Management, Pierre Mitchell will tackle a topic that he is especially passionate about. Like a preacher trying to save the souls of the damned – or a young Continental Congress articulating the rights of man for the first time in such eloquent terms – Pierre wants us to reach a new level of awareness regarding the bigger universe that is working around us and our rights within it.

So join Pierre next week, Wednesday, December 11 to be exact, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AMCST to learn your P2P and supplier network rights in a world where some providers are trying to behave as both the sheriff and mugger at the same time. Register here.Even if you can’t attend, we’ll send you the slides and a link to the recording – and we promise no more mixed metaphors on the topic!